10.09.04 – K2 and Sports Network are today delighted to announce that WBC World Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko will make the first defence of his title against Danny Williams in a fight that will re-ignite the world heavyweight scene. A deal has been agreed between all parties for the fight to take place in December in the USA with the date and location to be announced shortly.
Klitschko (34-2, 33 KO’s) is universally recognised as the best heavyweight in the division. In an eight-year career he has won WBO Intercontinental, European, WBA International and WBO World titles honours. The 33-year-old Ukrainian won the Vacant WBC World title in April this year – his second attempt following a controversial loss to Lennox Lewis – with an impressive eighth round TKO of Corrie Sanders.
Williams (33-2, 26 KO’s), from Brixton in London, shot to prominence with a stunning fourth round KO of former Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson in July.
Prior to that win, the 31-year-old Williams was the former British and Commonwealth Champion and outright winner of the Lonsdale belt, former WBO Intercontinental Champion and European title challenger.
Vitali Klitschko, as WBC champion and President of K2 commented: “I am very happy that Danny Williams is my next opponent. It was always my dream to fight Mike Tyson. Now Danny has destroyed that dream with a great performance and I know this will be very tough fight for me. It’s much easier to win a title than to defend it. I’m sure this will be a great and thrilling bout for all the fans around the world.”
Williams said, “This is my reward for beating Mike Tyson. After nearly ten years as a professional I have finally got my chance at a World title and I am going out there totally focused on bringing the crown back to Britain. Without a doubt Klitschko is the best in the division and it will be a hard fight but I destroyed the myth of Tyson and I will do the same again.”
Frank Warren, on behalf of Sports Network and as Williams’ manager, commented, “I told Danny when he rejoined Sports Network that he is good enough to win a world title. He went out and proved that by destroying Mike Tyson to show the world what he could really do. I am delighted that he has now finally got his first opportunity at a world title.”